Poor Knights
Poor Knights Recipe from Ireland with Cinnamon and White Wine
Introduction
Poor Knights is a delicious and indulgent French toast recipe that is perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. This recipe features thick slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, red wine, cinnamon, and sugar before being fried to golden perfection. Topped with a sprinkle of confectioners' sugar and cinnamon, Poor Knights are a sweet and satisfying treat that is sure to please your taste buds.
History
Poor Knights, also known as "pain perdu" or "lost bread," is a classic French dish that dates back to the 15th century. Originally created as a way to use up stale bread, French toast quickly became a popular breakfast dish enjoyed by people of all social classes. The addition of red wine in this recipe adds a unique twist to the traditional French toast, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 4 thick slices of bread
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 6.5 oz (184 g) white wine or red wine
- 0.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1.25 tbsp sugar
- oil
- confectioners' sugar
- cinnamon
How to prepare
- Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Cut the bread slices into quarters and place them in a deep dish. In another bowl, mix the eggs, wine, cinnamon, and sugar. Pour the mixture over the bread. Let it soak for 3 minutes. In a pan, heat oil to a depth of 0.25 inches. Slide the bread quarters into the pan and fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove any excess oil by placing the fried bread on absorbent paper. Sprinkle with sugar and ground cinnamon before serving. This recipe serves 4.
Variations
- Try using different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for a richer and more decadent flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest to the egg and wine mixture for a fragrant and aromatic twist.
- Top the Poor Knights with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use thick slices of bread for this recipe to ensure that the French toast holds up well during frying.
- Let the bread soak in the egg and wine mixture for at least 3 minutes to ensure that it is fully saturated and flavorful.
- Fry the French toast in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.
- Remove excess oil from the fried bread by placing it on absorbent paper before serving.
- Sprinkle the Poor Knights with sugar and cinnamon just before serving for a sweet and aromatic finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Poor Knights with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, and a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for a delicious and well-rounded breakfast.
Cooking Techniques
Use a deep dish to soak the bread slices in the egg and wine mixture, ensuring that they are fully coated and flavorful.
- Fry the French toast in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the heat of the oil to prevent the bread from burning or becoming too greasy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have red wine on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice or milk for a different flavor profile.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the egg and wine mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply soak the bread slices in the mixture and fry them up fresh when you're ready to enjoy.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the Poor Knights on a platter and dust them with a generous sprinkle of confectioners' sugar and cinnamon for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. Serve them with a garnish of fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of elegance.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Poor Knights with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting breakfast experience. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion brunch.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Poor Knights can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a toaster oven or skillet until warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Poor Knights contains approximately 250 calories. Calories are a measure of the energy content in food and are important for maintaining a healthy weight and fueling the body.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Poor Knights contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities and functions.
Fats
Each serving of Poor Knights contains approximately 10 grams of fat. Fat is an important macronutrient that provides energy, supports cell growth, and helps the body absorb vitamins.
Proteins
Each serving of Poor Knights contains approximately 8 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting immune function and hormone production.
Vitamins and minerals
Poor Knights are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Iron is important for oxygen transport in the blood, calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
Alergens
This recipe contains eggs and wheat, which are common allergens. Please be mindful of any food allergies or sensitivities when preparing and serving Poor Knights.
Summary
Poor Knights are a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. With a mix of essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious and flavorful option for starting your day.
Summary
Poor Knights are a delightful and flavorful French toast recipe that is perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. With a rich and indulgent combination of eggs, red wine, cinnamon, and sugar, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy the sweet and satisfying taste of Poor Knights with a sprinkle of confectioners' sugar and cinnamon for a delicious morning treat.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, I stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye - Poor Knights.
I had never heard of Poor Knights before, but the ingredients and instructions seemed simple enough. The recipe called for bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon - all ingredients that I had on hand in my pantry. I decided to give it a try, and I am so glad that I did.
As I started to make the Poor Knights, I couldn't help but think back to the many recipes that I had learned over the years. Some had been passed down through generations, while others had been picked up from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, and each recipe I learned felt like a small piece of history that I could carry with me.
As I dipped the slices of bread into the milk and egg mixture, I couldn't help but think about the people who had taught me how to cook. My own mother had been my first teacher, showing me the basics of cooking and baking in our small kitchen. I had also learned from my aunts, cousins, and even a few of my husband's coworkers who had shared their favorite recipes with me.
The aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the air as the Poor Knights cooked on the stovetop. I flipped them over carefully, making sure they were golden brown on both sides. When they were done, I sprinkled them with a little more cinnamon and sugar before serving them hot with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
As I took my first bite of the Poor Knights, I was transported back to my childhood. I could almost hear my grandmother's laughter as she cooked in her own kitchen, sharing her wisdom and love through the food she made. The taste of the Poor Knights was warm and comforting, a reminder of all the memories and traditions that had been passed down to me over the years.
I knew that this recipe for Poor Knights would become a favorite in my own family. It was a simple yet delicious dish that could be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or even a late-night snack. And as I sat at the table, surrounded by my loved ones, I felt grateful for all the people who had taught me how to cook and for the memories that each recipe held.
So, as I write down this recipe for Poor Knights in my own cookbook, I do so with a sense of pride and gratitude. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my past and share a piece of myself with others. And with each new recipe I learn, I am reminded of the love and traditions that have been passed down to me through the generations.
Categories
| Irish Recipes | Irish Snacks | Red Wine Recipes | Snack Recipes | White Wine Recipes |